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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
A prominent Matabeleland businessman, Jabulani Zondo, has died. He was 54. Zondo, who was a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist, died of cancer at Hillside Premier Service Medical Centre in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

Zondo was running several furniture and hardware shops popularly known as Payless Trading in Tsholotsho and at Godlwayo Trade Centre in Filabusi. Family spokesperson Brigadier General Levy Mayihlome described the untimely death of his cousin as a huge blow to the family.

“He was diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatment. He was rushed to hospital after he complained of a headache. His condition worsened and he passed on.

“We’ve lost a pillar of strength who kept the family united. He was a natural entrepreneur and most people around him grew financially because of his good heart. He established his businesses and also provided financial support to his relatives to start their own businesses. He was generous with ideas and money such that everybody around him benefited,” said Brig Gen Mayihlome.

He said Zondo contributed significantly to the development of the communities that he operated in.

“He adopted distant relatives and orphans and took them to school. Most of them are now working and living decent lives with their families. He always made sure that the elderly had food to eat.

“He assisted several families in burying their loved ones and participated in the development of communities by donating to schools and the less privileged,” said Brig Gen Mayihlome.

Zondo was born in Umzingwane. He taught at various schools in Matabeleland for about 10 years.

He retired and joined Longman, where he worked as a salesman before he established his businesses.

He is survived by his wife Siphiwe Zondo, five children and six grandchildren.

Mourners are gathered at 16 Claremont Road in Claremont along Old Esigodini Road.

He will be buried at Esikhoveni in Umzingwane on Saturday.